The Wallabies have suffered a blow with the news that their scrum coach Pat Noriega has quit to take up a post with Racing Metro in the Top 14 Orange.

Noriega played 25 Tests for Argentina and 24 for Australia and has helped strengthen the Wallabies' scrum in recent years - an area of their game that has traditionally believed to be weak. Noriega will now work alongside former team-mate Gonzalo Quesada at Racing with Pierre Berbizier the club's general manger.

"I've learnt a lot working with one of the best coaches in the world in Robbie Deans," said Noriega. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to put everything that I have learned off him into practice."

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will now have to find a new scrums specialist with Noriega being in the role since 2009. Deans praised his former coach saying: "I don't think I've met a person more passionate about scrums. I have no doubt he will be a success in this next chapter of his life."

In related news, Stade Francais have announced the capture of Fijian winger Waisea Nayacalevu from Australian club side the Melbourne Unicorns. He has impressed on the Sevens circuit and recently scored two tries in three Tests for the XV side.